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LONDON A bustling hub of

LONDON A bustling hub of culture and commerce and a city of architectural splendors, the English capital is a special place to visit A thriving cosmopolitan hub, the city of London is steeped in a history stretching back to the Romans, who were first attracted to this corner of Britannia for its river access to the sea. Founded in 47 AD, London was the largest Roman city in Britannia, and its remains can still be seen dotted across the city to this day. Its legacy and buildings remain with remnants of Roman antiquities around every corner in the heart of the financial district, the City. Today, London’s architecture has fused this bygone world with the present—from smokestacks that narrate an industrial age of old; to the pearl of the city, St. Paul’s Cathedral; to the gleaming glass skyscrapers that speak of modern-day economic success. London has evolved into one of the most diverse and culturally fascinating places to visit in the world. It is home to state-of-theart museums, galleries housing fine art collections, a spectacular culinary scene for every taste and budget, and plenty of culture from the musical epicenter of Soho to the well-heeled streets of Chelsea. With something for everyone, the old Samuel Johnson quote rings true to this day, “When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life.” Must-sees Dissected by the Thames River, London’s riverbanks offer a great walkway with easy access to the city’s best riverside monuments. London boasts a plethora of leafy green spaces. Venture to the north for the open expanse of Hampstead Heath and take a dip in its public swimming ponds. Head east where two canals flank Victoria Park, or travel farther west to spot wild deer in Richmond Park. North of the river is the lesser-known stretch of water at the 200-year-old Regent’s Canal. Here, narrow boats float Clockwise, from above: Landmark buildings flanking the Thames River; a guard on duty at Buckingham Palace; Big Ben keeping a watchful eye over the Houses of Parliament; a historic London pub 98 VIKING.COM EXPLORE MORE

CITY GUIDE serenely along a towpath dotted with pretty pubs and restaurants. Keep your eyes peeled for the blue plaques peppered across the city. Run by English Heritage, the program commemorates the achievements of notable people who have lived and worked in various buildings. Shopping Oxford and Regent Streets are often the site of high-street flagships. Head south of Hyde Park to join the affluent residents of Kensington and Chelsea in shopping along Sloane Street or having lunch in department stores such as Harvey Nichols and Harrods. Elsewhere, the flag for independents is flown, particularly in the area around Carnaby Street. A hot spot during the Swinging Sixties, today it offers countless quirky stores as well as the landmark store Liberty, which is worth a visit just to see its interior. Gastronomy Food and history are intertwined in London, with the city’s illustrious past manifesting itself in what Londoners eat to this day. Eel, pie and mash shops have become an institution over the arch of history. Pies were first introduced to the city by the Romans, but it was the Victorians and their taste for eels—one of the very few fish to have survived in the Thames—that combined the two together. Fish and chips is another prominent meal in London. It can be traced back to the 1800s, when Eastern European Jewish immigrants introduced this way of cooking fish and Belgians brought this style of potato to UK shores. Today, London is a modern metropolis with more contemporary styles of cooking and cuisine. Go online: Watch videos about select itineraries traveling to London at voc.com/videos. EXPLORE MORE VIKING.COM 99